Meet the Expert: Matt Sachs, Construction Planning GIS & Data Analyst
What is your role and how would you describe what you do?
I am a GIS & Data Analyst for HPM’s Planning Division. I mainly help K-12 school districts update their facilities plans, review demographics, and adjust attendance boundaries.
What’s your day-to-day look like?
Every day could look different. A lot of the work includes using GIS to map and analyze student, facility, or other demographic data. Much of the data created is compiled into reports or online dashboards. Many of the projects contain a community engagement component which may require creating a Task Force of stakeholders or holding large community forums.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned in Construction Planning that’s stuck with you?
The one lesson that has stuck with me is “trust but verify.” It is important to verify the accuracy of your data before it is put in a report or presentation.
What are you working on now?
Our plan for Atlanta Public Schools was recently approved by the Board of Education. We will continue to work in APS on their E-SPLOST Planning and implementation of the approved plan. We are working in DeKalb County, GA to help the district determine their future facility plan. Additional clients include Boise, ID and a demographic and attendance boundary study in Bibb County, GA.
How did you get started in the K-12 Planning industry?
My work in K-12 planning began as a GIS intern with Tracy Richter and Scott Leopold back in 2012 at Tracy’s former company DeJong Richter. After interning for about a year, I was hired as a full time GIS Technician and continued learning the ways of planning in the K-12 world.
What’s your most memorable project/career highlight?
My most memorable project is likely back near the beginning of my career. In 2014, we assisted Huntsville City Schools with a facility plan that proposed major changes to buildings and student assignment. Since the district is still under a desegregation order, the changes have to be approved by the DOJ. I testified in federal court to help the district get their plan approved.
What’s the best part of your job?
The best part is when a project runs smoothly and stays on schedule for scope and timeline. It is nearly impossible to get consensus on a plan that involves school facilities and where students may attend school, but if we can get the district leaders and community members to understand why we are making certain recommendations, then we have done our job.
Check back for more Meet the Expert series throughout the year and connect with Matt Sachs on Linkedin to learn more about his role in K-12 Planning with HPM.
